Jim Wilson: Prove fracking is safe for all

I would like to extend a challenge to the oil and gas industry and in particular the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and the Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA).

I keep hearing about how safe the newer gas extraction processes are. I keep hearing from the industry that they have very safe ways of preventing spills and air pollution. I keep hearing about how the danger from fracking operations is minimal and no worse than the danger of driving a car.

If that is the case then I challenge them to waive their exemption from the Clean Air Act. I challenge them to waive their exemption from the Clean Water Act. Every other industry is operating under the constraints of those regulations.

If fracking is as safe as it is claimed to be by the industry gurus then I would expect them to accept my challenge. If they fail to accept this challenge that is undeniable proof that fracking is not safe. If they fail to accept this challenge then they are essentially misinforming the public.

Bottom line is that if they cannot accept this challenge then they are liars.

The Boulder alt-country band gives its EPs names such as Death and Resurrection, and its songs bear the mark of hard truths and sin. But the punk energy behind the playing, and the sense that it's all in good fun, make it OK to dance to a song like "Death." Full Story